Sunburn causes skin inflammation from overexposure to the sun's rays.Sunburn inflammation of the skin caused by actinic rays from the sun or artificial sources. Moderate exposure to ultraviolet radiation is followed by a red blush, but severe exposure may result in blisters, pain, and constitutional symptoms. As ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, they break down collagen and elastin, the two main structural components of the skin, a process that results in thewrinkled appearance of sun-damaged skin. In addition, the sun damages the DNA of the exposed skin cells. In response, the cells release enzymes that excise the damaged parts of the DNA and encourage the production of replacement DNA (a process that can go wrong and result in Skin Cancer ). At the same time, the production of melanin increases, darkening the skin.Injury can start within 30 minutes of exposure.
Self-Care at Home
Home care starts before a sunburn.
-Cool (not ice cold) baths may help. Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes because these may produce sensitivity reactions. Keep your skin cool to reduce your sunburn. As soon as you realize you've toasted your skin jump in a cool shower or gently wipe down with a cool washcloth or a cold compress. Don't use soap (or use as little as possible if you have too), because soap will stip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential to healing your damaged skin. Stay out of direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and continue rinsing or soaking with cool water to get rid of your sunburn as fast as possible.
-Avoid scrubbing the skin or shaving the skin. Use soft towels to gently dry yourself. Don't rub. -Use a light, fragrance-free skin moisturizer.
-Avoid lotions that contain topical anesthetic medications because you can become sensitized and then allergic to that medicine.
Obviously, stay out of the sun while you are sunburned
-Aloe Vera has always been known to be a great treatment for sunburn. Moisturize your skin, thoroughly and often, to relieve your sunburn. Use an aloe-based moisturizer for aloe's natural healing effects, or use fresh aloe gel straight from the plant (just break off a piece and squeeze). Other gentle moisturizes and antibacterial ointments can help soothe your skin as well. Plain moisturizers (you should avoid heavy dyes or scents) won't do much to relieve pain, but will keep your skin from drying out.
-A regular dose of vitamin E will also help to decrease skin inflammation. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ or vegetable oils, especially sunflower oil, soybean oil, and nuts. If you decide to go with the supplement, make sure you only get the natural form.
-Another inflammation reducer is aspirin; however, it only works if take within the first twenty-four hours of being overexposed to the sun.
-Vegetables are known to help as a sunburn remedy. When applied to the burn, thinly sliced cucumbers, potatoes, or apples can be soothing and may even help reduce the inflammation.
-Stay hydrated to help your body get rid of a sunburn. Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated and cool and to avoid the possibility of over-exhaustion and sunstroke, or heat exhaustion .
However, if you have the chills, nausea, fever, faintness, fatigue, purple blotches or discoloration on your skin, excessive blistering, or intense itching, it's time to skip the remedies and head to the doctor.
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